Matricaria discoidea
Pineapple weed, rayless chamomile, Rayless Chamomile
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Matricaria discoidea (Pineapple weed) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by sweet scent and rayless heads.
Pineapple weed is a native annual found in California's Central Valley, Sierra Nevada eastern foothills, and western Mojave Desert in disturbed sites and along riverbanks at elevations below 2,250 meters. Flowering from February to August, this plant produces small conical flower heads without ray flowers, approximately one centimeter in diameter. Growing with sweet-scented stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, typically branched from the base, it develops a compact and spreading form. Its leaves are glabrous, sessile, and less than 5 centimeters long, creating a delicate green backdrop for the unique flower heads. The fruit features narrow brown glands extending down its surface, with a truncate tip and no prominent pappus.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by sweet scent and rayless heads
Habitat and range
Habitat: Abundant. Disturbed sites, riverbanks
Elevation: < 2250 m
Outside California: native to northwestern North America, northeastern Asia
Bloom period
Matricaria discoidea blooms Feb-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Oncosiphon: Matricaria smells sweet and has egg-shaped heads; Oncosiphon smells intensely foul and has spherical heads.; vs Anthemis: Matricaria has egg-shaped heads that become hollow inside; Anthemis has rounded heads with solid, chaffy receptacles.; vs Chamaemelum: Matricaria has egg-shaped mature heads; Chamaemelum has conical or dome-shaped receptacles at maturity.; vs Cotula: Matricaria has sweet scent and egg-shaped heads; Cotula lacks strong scent and has flattened button-like heads.; vs Glebionis: Matricaria often lacks ray petals and has egg-shaped heads; Glebionis has showy yellow or white rays.
Frequently asked questions
Is Matricaria discoidea native to California?
Yes. Matricaria discoidea is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Matricaria discoidea bloom?
Matricaria discoidea blooms Feb-Aug.
What plant family does Matricaria discoidea belong to?
Matricaria discoidea is in the Asteraceae family, genus Matricaria.
What habitat does Matricaria discoidea grow in?
Matricaria discoidea grows in Abundant. Disturbed sites, riverbanks.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.